We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nichole Dipippo Tania Fitzgerald a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Nichole DiPippo, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Our journey to finding our purpose began when we started working together at Cozy Quarters Management, where we were responsible for creating vacation rental designs. This experience was our first opportunity to combine our individual talents—Nichole’s passion for interior design and entrepreneurship with Tania’s meticulous attention to detail and joy in crafting welcoming environments.
One of our early projects involved transforming a small, outdated vacation rental into a high-demand property that would stand out in a competitive market. The space was challenging—limited in size, with an unconventional layout, and in need of a complete overhaul to meet the needs of modern travelers. We knew we had to bring our best skills to the table.
We spent countless hours brainstorming, sketching, and sourcing materials that would not only elevate the aesthetic but also maximize functionality. It was through this project that we honed our ability to think creatively under pressure, work seamlessly as a team, and develop solutions that were both beautiful and practical.
The success of that project was a pivotal moment for us. When the property started receiving glowing reviews from guests who loved the thoughtful design and cozy atmosphere, we realized we had something special. We had found our niche—not just in designing spaces, but in creating environments where people could truly feel at home, even when they were away from home.
This experience with Cozy Quarters Management laid the foundation for Lush Living Designs. It inspired us to take our skills and passion for design to the next level, with a focus on creating personalized, functional spaces for our clients. Launching Lush Living Designs was the natural next step in fulfilling our purpose, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work continues to positively impact the lives of those we design for.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Lush Living Designs, we’re passionate about transforming spaces into beautiful, functional environments that truly reflect the personalities and lifestyles of our clients. We focus on interior design, with a specialty in creating both residential and vacation rental spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personal and practical.
What sets Lush Living Designs apart is our comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We offer full-service interior design, where we manage every aspect of a project from concept to completion, ensuring that every detail is perfectly aligned with our clients’ vision. For those who prefer a more flexible approach, our e-design service allows clients to work with us remotely, receiving personalized design plans that they can implement at their own pace.
In addition to residential design, we specialize in vacation rental design, helping property owners create inviting, memorable spaces that stand out above the rest. Our home staging services are also tailored to maximize the appeal of homes on the market, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
One service area that we’re particularly passionate about is designing spaces with aging in mind. We believe that everyone deserves to age comfortably and gracefully in their own home, and we’re committed to creating designs that support this goal. By incorporating thoughtful, accessible features into our designs, we help clients create and modify environments where they can continue to live independently as they age.
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is seeing the transformation that happens not just in the physical space, but in the lives of our clients. Whether it’s a family finding comfort and joy in their newly redesigned living room, a vacation rental owner seeing their bookings soar thanks to a fresh, inviting look, or an older client feeling secure and supported in their home, those moments are what drive us.
We’re also thrilled to share some of our latest developments at Lush Living Designs. We recently launched a range of design packages on our website, which allow clients to choose from various levels of service, depending on their needs and budget. This new offering makes our services more accessible to a wider audience, whether they’re looking for a full home makeover or just some expert advice to guide their DIY project.
Ultimately, what drives us is the belief that everyone deserves to live in a space they love, and that great design should be accessible to all people, regardless of their stage in life or budget. We’re honored to help make that a reality for our clients. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home, create a welcoming environment for guests, or design a space that supports aging in place, Lush Living Designs is here to bring your vision to life.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When we first started Lush Living Designs, we knew we had a passion for design, but as we reflect on our journey, there are three qualities and skills that truly shaped our success.
It all began with creativity and vision. From the very first project we took on, we realized that creativity wasn’t just about making a space look beautiful; it was about seeing the hidden potential in a room and transforming it into something that was both functional and inspiring. We remember walking into a dated, cramped vacation rental and immediately imagining how we could open up the space, bring in light, and create an environment that guests would love. It’s this ability to see beyond what’s there and envision what could be that has guided our work. For anyone starting out, we can’t stress enough the importance of nurturing your creativity. Look for inspiration everywhere—whether it’s in nature, art, or even in the most unexpected places—and let that fuel your designs.
Collaboration and communication were another cornerstone of our journey. We quickly learned that great design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There was a pivotal moment during one of our early projects where we had to work closely with contractors, vendors, and of course, our clients, to bring our vision to life. It wasn’t always easy—there were misunderstandings and moments of frustration—but we discovered that clear, open communication was key to overcoming these challenges. By listening carefully to our clients’ needs and ensuring that everyone involved was aligned, we were able to deliver results that exceeded expectations. For those just beginning their careers, building strong communication skills and learning to collaborate effectively are essential. It’s these relationships that will not only help you execute your designs but also create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Finally, adaptability and problem-solving became invaluable tools in our design toolkit. No project ever goes exactly as planned, and we’ve faced our share of unexpected challenges—from budget constraints to tricky spaces that required innovative solutions. For those at the start of their journey, embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. Being adaptable will not only help you overcome obstacles but also lead to some of your most rewarding work.
As we look back, these qualities—creativity, collaboration, and adaptability—have been the foundation of our success. Our advice to those starting out is to focus on developing these skills, as they will guide you through the complexities of the design world and help you create spaces that truly make a difference.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
When it comes to building Lush Living Designs, having a partner has shown us the true power of going all in on our own strengths while complementing each other’s skills. We believe that while it’s important to be aware of your weaknesses, the real magic happens when you fully embrace your strengths and find a partner who complements the areas where you’re less confident.
In our partnership, we’ve learned that leaning into what each of us does best allows us to create something far greater, and more efficiently, than if we tried to be well-rounded individually. Nichole brings a strong creative vision and entrepreneurial spirit, while Tania excels in meticulous planning and detail-oriented execution. By focusing on these strengths, we’re able to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together. This synergy allows us to take on projects that we might not have been able to handle on our own, with each of us confidently tackling different aspects of the design process.
A story that perfectly illustrates this is when we were working on a particularly complex project that required both high-level creative direction and an eye for the smallest details. Nichole was able to dive deep into the conceptual design, imagining bold new ideas for the space, while Tania took charge of organizing the logistics, ensuring that every piece fit together seamlessly. If we had both tried to do everything, we would have been stretched too thin, and the project likely wouldn’t have turned out as well as it did. Instead, by trusting each other’s strengths and focusing on what we each do best, we were able to deliver a design that exceeded our client’s expectations.
That’s not to say we ignore our weaknesses—being aware of them is crucial. But rather than spending all our energy trying to improve in areas where we aren’t naturally strong, we choose to leverage each other’s talents. At the same time, we also get to learn and be inspired by one another every day. This approach has allowed us to grow Lush Living Designs into a thriving business, and it has made the journey much more enjoyable and fulfilling.
For anyone struggling with whether to focus on strengths or become all-encompassingly well-rounded, our advice is to embrace your strengths and find a partner or team who complements you. By working together and playing to each other’s strengths, you can achieve more than you ever could alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lldesignsnc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564141570658
Image Credits
Tania Fitzgerald
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
